Shelf structure for refrigerators



Patented Dec. 2o, 193sl UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE SHELF STRUCTURE FOR. REFRIGERATORS Application November 18, 1935, Serial No. 50,282

4 Claims.

This invention relates to shelves for refrigerators and the like, and particularly to shelves adapted for the support of receptacles. The shelf structure is more particularly adapted to use t in refrigerators of a mechanical type, as distinguished from refrigerators using ice as a. refrigerant. Refrigerators of the mechanical type, by reason of the dehydrating effect within the refrigerating chamber caused by condensation l and freezing of the moisture content of the chamber on the cooling elements, require the use of special receptacles for vegetables and other articles deleteriously affected by dehydration. These receptacles, usually referred to as hydral tors, must permit the refrigeration of their contents, but prevent unrestricted circulation of the air currents of the refrigerating chamber therethrough.

Prior shelf construction has required the use of hydrator structures consisting of receptacles provided with covers, and the handling of these covered receptacles has been attended with considerable inconvenience, particularly when the refrigerating space is well filled.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a combined hydrator and shelf structure of simplified form, through the elimination of the necessity for a separate cover for the hydrator. Another object is to provide a hydrator which is more readily accessible for removal from the refrigerator chamber, and which can be returned to ltseformer` position within the same without disturbing the other contents of the refrigerator.

A still further object is to permit access to the contents of the hydrator without requiring the complete removal of the same from the refrigerating chamber.

A still further object is the provision of a hydrator and shelf structure which will not interfere with the normal air circulation within the refrigerating chamber, and yet is of comparatively great strength.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the drawing, of which:

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the shelf;

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the same, with portions of the flange broken away and the hydrator in place;

Fig. 3 shows a transverse section of the shelf with the hydrator in place, taken along line III- III of Fig. l';

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a refrigerator, showing the shelf in position and the hydrator partly withdrawn.

Referring to the drawing, the invention is adapted to the flat surfaced type of shelf structure illustrated and described in the co-pending application of John R. Willard, Serial No. 48,681, and comprises a fiat portion I provided with integral 5 longitudinal reinforcing ribs 2. 'Surrounding this shelf is a downwardly turned flange 3 formed integrally with the shelf. The portion of the flange at the ends ofthe shelf is provided with an inwardly turned portion 4 which acts as a bearing 10 for the support of the shelf.

Extending transversely of the shelf are a plurality of guides 5, attached to the under surface of the shelf by any convenient means, such as spot welding. 18

The guides may be made in sections of lengths equal to the space between the ribs 2, or may be cut to accommodate the same, as at 6. The hydrator pan 1 is provided with ilang 8 adapted to rest with their under surfaces on the guides 5, as 20 shown. The guides 5 seal the sides of the hydrator when in position in the refrigerating chamber, and the shelf flanges 3 seal the ends of the hydrator from the circulation of air. If a limited circulation of air within the hydrator is desired, 25 it may be obtained by a proper positioning of the parts, such as'by having the vertical portion of the guides of slightly increased length.

The shelf is provided with a plurality of perforations 9 extending between the ribs 2 in those 30 portions not immediately above the hydrator. The imperforate portion of the shelf serves as a cover for the contents of the hydrator, and eliminates the need of a separate cover. The top of the shelf is absolutely flat, and the mounting of 35 the hydrator permits the utilization of the entire shelf area.

Referring to Fig. 4, the reference numeral I0 indicates the refrigerator provided with a door Il shown in the open position. The various shelves 40 are mounted on projections l2 suitably located on the side walls of the refrigerating chamber. The hydrator 'l is shown partially withdrawn in position for access to its contents. The coaction of the flanges 8 with the guides 5 furnishes a rigid 45 support for the partially withdrawn hydrator.

The hydrator and shelf structure results in a minimum of interference with the circulation of air within the refrigerating chamber. By the utilization of a shelf having the integrally formed 50 stiffening ribs, a maximum of perforate area may be obtained. In the preferred form, the stiffening ribs should be of sufficient depth and area to make negligible the lessening of the longitudinal rigidity of the shelf due to the perforations. 55

When the ribs are so designed, the perforations may extend from rib to rib, as illustrated.

The shelf, being unitary in structure, may be readily cleaned, and presents no cracks nor crevices where unsanitary deposits may accumulate. 'Ihe flat surface presented for the reception of the refrigerator contents is vastly superior to prior structures.

While we have described our invention as taking a particular form, it will be understood that a change from the exact form illustrated may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as deflned in the appended claims. Having thus described our invention, what is claimed as new and is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. In a refrigerator, a unitary flanged shelf having integral longitudinal reinforcing ribs, a perforate area and an imperforate area, guides below said imperforate area, and a hydrator pan slidably supported on said guides and covered by said imperforate area the entire portion of the refrigerator shelf above the hydrator pan being imperforate and smooth on its top surface.

2. A unitary refrigerator shelf structure having integral longitudinal reinforcing ribs, a perforate area and an imperforate area, means attached to CERTIFICATE Patent No. 2,lLLO,6ll.

CHARLES N.

and below said imperforate area to support a hydrator pan the entire portion of the refrigerator shelf above the hydrator pan being imperforate and smooth on its top surface.

3. In a refrigerator, a unitary flanged shelf having integral longitudinal reinforcing ribs, a-

perforate area and an imperforate area, said imperforate area being smooth on its top surface, guides below said imperforate area, a hydrator slidably supported on said guides and covered by said imperforate area, and said hydrator pan cooperating with said guides, the imperforate shelf area and the shelf flange to form a substantially sealed receptacle.

4. In a refrigerator, a unitary flanged shelf having integral longitudinal reinforcing ribs, a perforate area and an imperforate area, guides positioned perpendicularly to said ribs and secured to the under surface of the shelf, a hydrator having a flange adapted to cooperate in sliding rela-` tionship with said guides to position said hydrator beneath said imperforate area, the entire portion of the refrigerator shelf above the hydrator pan being imperforate and smooth on its top surface.

CHARLES N. SMITH. JOHN R. WILLARD.

OF CORRECTION.

December 20., 1958.

SMITH, ET AI..

It is hereby certified that the above. numbered patent was erroneously issued to Aluminum Company of America, as assignee of the entire interest therein, whereas said patent should have been issued to the inventors, Charles N. Smith, of.University City, Missouri, and John R. Willard, of' New Kensington, Pennsylvania, said Willard assigner 'of' his right to Aluminum Company of America, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a corporation of Pennsylvania, as shown by the record of assignments in this office; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this v21st dayof' February, A.D. 1959.

(Seal) Henry Van Arsdale.

Actingl Commissionerl of Patents. 

